Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said today that Pakistan’s peace, stability and respected position in the international community are the result of the great sacrifices rendered by the country’s martyrs. He stated that the survival of the state is indebted to the blood of its martyrs, and the entire nation must remain united for the defence, security and progress of the country.
He expressed these views while speaking to the media after a ceremony held at the Governor House, Karachi, in honour of students who secured top positions in the Secondary School Certificate (Matriculation) examinations.
Hashmi said that the nation will always remain indebted to its martyrs and will never forget their sacrifices. He said that the eyes of the world are on Pakistan, while hostile forces seek to weaken the country. He added that India is behind acts of terrorism through its malicious proxy designs, but Pakistan’s Armed Forces are courageously confronting these conspiracies and making tremendous sacrifices for the protection of the lives and property of the people. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands ready to make every sacrifice for the defence of the motherland.
Hashmi said that the country’s political environment has improved in recent months and expressed hope that all political forces would place national interests above everything else. He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through Parliament and constitutional forums. While differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy, he stressed that politics based on hatred, violence, abusive language and division must be avoided in favour of constructive, respectful and democratic political discourse. He added that presenting Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image to the world is a shared national responsibility.
Commenting on recent remarks made by Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the martyrs, Hashmi expressed regret and said, “The death of a martyr is the life of the nation.” He added that this is the teaching of Islam and that the survival and security of the state are founded upon the sacrifices of its martyrs. He said the martyrs belong to the entire nation and should remain above all differences. He remarked that the recent statement had caused pain to the families of the martyrs and the nation as a whole, expressing hope that it would be reconsidered and withdrawn. He added that Allah Almighty has declared that martyrs are alive.
Responding to a question about street crime in Karachi and the murder of a doctor the previous night, Hashmi expressed sorrow over the incident and said that the killing of one innocent person is like the killing of all humanity. He stated that law enforcement agencies had already traced the suspects and they should receive exemplary punishment in accordance with the law. He added that further measures would be taken to strengthen law and order in the city.
In response to another question, he said that he is the Governor of the entire province and all its people, not of any particular political party, and that he is fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities with neutrality and integrity.
When asked about the incident at Valika Hospital and concerns regarding substandard medicines, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi expressed concern and said he would take up the matter with the Federal Ministry of National Health Services and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to ensure the provision of safe and quality healthcare services.
On the electricity situation, Hashmi said that he had spoken with the Chief Executive Officer of K-Electric regarding unannounced load shedding. He also stressed that consumers have a responsibility to pay their electricity bills on time. Referring to the K-IV water supply project, he said that the Federal Government has allocated funds for the project and will continue to play its role in addressing the public’s needs in Sindh.
The governor further said that the Prime Minister has already released Rs. 5 billion for the rehabilitation of infrastructure in the SITE industrial area, while progress is also expected on the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project. He noted that some development projects in the past had suffered due to mismanagement and corruption, but the present government is moving forward with transparency and merit.
Concluding his media interaction, Hashmi said that every Pakistani is an equal stakeholder in the country’s future. He affirmed that anyone working for Pakistan’s development, stability and the welfare of its people would receive full support, while every action against the national interest would be opposed.
Earlier, addressing the ceremony held in honour of students who secured top positions in the Matriculation examinations, the governor congratulated all the position holders and said that encouraging talented students is a collective responsibility. He stated that education, merit and hard work are the foundation of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Matriculation Board Professor Musharraf Ali Rajput, Controller of Examinations Ahmed Khan, board officials, teachers, students, parents and other distinguished guests.
Hashmi said that success is the result of consistent hard work, discipline and the guidance of teachers. He urged students to learn from the achievements of the top position holders, maintain a strong relationship with books and use modern technology for positive purposes. He said that societies which value education are the ones that prosper, while today’s successful students will become tomorrow’s leaders and contribute significantly to the country’s development.
Hashmi paid tribute to the role of teachers, described the outstanding performance of female students as a symbol of Pakistan’s bright future, and prayed for the continued success and prosperity of Pakistan, its educational institutions and its students.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, he presented certificates of appreciation and cash awards to the position holders.